Sponge Air Filter for Log Splitter

[NorthwoodsLife]

So, mice got into my log splitter's air cleaner this past winter and destroyed the foam air filter element. It is a flat 6"x 4" foam air filter element that you oil.

Can I use a standard cleaning sponge saturated with oil as a temporary fix?

My local small engine repair/ parts store doesn't stock a new one and he suggested Amazon.
Amazon can have one too me next week but I planned on using the log splitter today and this weekend.

I am either on to a big savings idea or a flop and a damaged engine.

I am going to cut a cleaning sponge to size and oil it and see if it degrades or melts before putting in in the machine.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[NorthwoodsLife]

Oh, it's a 338cc Champion engine, air cooled, 37 ton log splitter.
A honda engine copy, I think.

 

[MOOTS]

It will probably be fine for the time being with no filter. It’s not like a splitter is stirring up a bunch of dust.

 

[NorthwoodsLife]

Original filter and cheap cleaning sponge...

Cut cleaning sponge to size in 3 dimensions, and soaked and then strained in 30w.

 

[NorthwoodsLife]

It will probably be fine for the time being with no filter. It’s not like a splitter is stirring up a bunch of dust.

Thank you. Not too much dust but lots of mosquitos.

 

[NorthwoodsLife]

Waiting to see if the sponge has a reaction to the oil....

 

[mcfarmall]

Foam rubber has more uniformly sized holes and is more likely resistant to oil. Try a craft store or fabric store.

 

[NCL4701]

Just a suggestion: Get a foam air filter from a hardware/home store. Cut to size. For the short time you’ll need it, I wouldn’t get wound up about the oil. If you do oil, like you said, good idea to test it first to make sure it holds together.

Example: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Frost-King...-24-in-Washable-Cut-To-Fit-Air-Filter/1196229

 

[NorthwoodsLife]

Well the sponge didn't show any negative issues with oil saturation.

I found mouse poop and urine stains in the airbox and carb, as well as some acorn shells. Ugh!!!

I pulled and cleaned up the airbox and the carb, as mice had crawled into both. It didn't appear that they got past the choke butterfly gate though. I drained the gas tank since I had the fuel line off of the carb. I put an ounce of SeaFoam into the cylinder when I checked the plug, gave it a few pulls w/o plug installed, and let it sit. Also a couple oz SeaFoam into the empty gas tank. Filled the tank. Put it all back together and installed the sponge and it fired up after several pulls.

I let it run for about 30 minutes checking the hydraulics, and the sponge every few minutes. It was working fine.

But, I pulled the sponge make shift air element out after all because I am now concerned with the engine heat melting it. Although I saw that it wasn't melting, I don't trust it.

Thanks for your advice.